Consumer journalism has expanded enormously in recent years, dominated by the extraordinary growth and success of WHICH? magazine and in the wake of the crusading "consumer's rights" movement pioneered in the United States by journalist Ralph Nadar.

(By the way, you can praise/blame Ralph for George W's election. He stood as a left wing "consumer rights" candidate in the 2000 US Presidential election and got about 2 percent of the vote - all taken from Gore supporters - eg Californian tree huggers) - which enough for Dubya to get in on a minority vote).

The style is the same as for arts reviews:

(1) WHAT IS IT/ WHAT DOES IT DO?

(2) IS IT ANY GOOD

It works by comparing ALL the available products within a consumer section (eg car insurance, university courses) and MUST provide valuable information which, if followed, will actually save readers money when making purchases.

Avoid the consumer magazine product reviews where, again, somebody just says "I like this". It might work in a (low value, no pay) freesheet, or as an adjunct to a fashion magazine purchased because of the quality of pictures. But it is no good in the trade press or in serious "consumer" journalism - which is where all the quality and the work for journalists is to be had.

The same approach can be applied to all areas of consumption - travel, personal finance, housing, cars, fashion and clothes, consumer electronics. There is a massive consumer press devoted to computers. All of these titles are bought because they are genuinely useful in saving money and avoiding making mistakes on major purchases.

TV equivalent: Watchdog.

Radio: You and Yours

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